INFORM October 2025

YOUR AOCS COMMUNITY

inform October 2025, Vol. 36 (9) • 7

ronmental resources available in the medium. It was indeed a challenge to mechanistically model such microorganisms or their enzymes because the same laws of nature apply there that also apply to chemical processes at industrial scale. At present, I am considering specific yet integrated changes in the metabolic pathways of photosynthetic microorganisms to enhanced the production of commodities that may serve as cleaner fuels in the near future. INFORM: How do you believe this recognition will influ ence your future work in biotechnology? Malcata: I must confess that, whenever selected as a recipi ent of an award, especially if granted by a respected interna tional scientific or professional society, I feel an indescribable amount of pride to have my work recognized by peers world wide, and a unique sensation of accomplished duty. Over several decades, I have pursued a consistent and integrated research program to help advance the state-of-the-art in top ics motivated by my scientific curiosity, and the possibility of transferring that knowledge to undergraduate and graduate students. The track record I have built has also made a differ ence in my performance in the classroom. My lectures have plenty of “war stories,” coming from real life and actual expe rience—prone to emphasize practical applicability of advanced knowledge, and rational application of first principles to under stand and solve whatever situations and problems arise. INFORM: What role do you see AOCS playing in fostering collaboration among scientists and industry professionals in biotechnology? Malcata: AOCS addresses the interface between many dis tinct disciplines within the core field of fats and oils. It has established itself as an invaluable stakeholder, with comple mentary and unique expertise spread throughout its mem bership. Biotechnology is one of the best examples of how tools inspired by our surroundings (namely, biochemical pro cesses established in nature) can be used to our advantage to improve oils and fats, in both nutritional, functional, and envi

ronmental terms. In addition, both the fundamental issues of science and the applied issues of technology are included in the portfolio of activities AOCS offers—from topic-oriented workshops to the annual meeting with many thematic ses sions, from advanced books meant for professionals and the scientific community to a membership magazine covering daily issues of wide interest. Furthermore, its awards designed for public recognition of exemplary careers and outstanding per formance in academia, industry, or government contributes to the level of excellence it has consistently pursued. INFORM: What advice would you give to young sci entists and researchers aspiring to make an impact in biotechnology? Malcata: My advice to young scientists at the beginning of their careers is simple and straightforward, be tenacious with your approaches, but humble with your results. Research is a double-edged sword, in that it will eventually yield some use ful results—from either the understanding or the application points of view—but typically at the expense of many failures along the way. Therefore, a strong character is a must, be able to overcome misfortunes and poor outcomes while already looking for the next move and maintain an optimistic atti tude. On the other hand, research (especially in biotechnology) is rather expensive, and thus only possible at the expense of public money that might be used otherwise. This means that whatever successes are attained, they would have been hardly possible without the anonymous support of your fellow citi zens. They deserve consideration for their implicit input, well beyond the fame earned by the researcher himself. In fact, lasting impacts may come out of a fortunate breakthrough but are usually the outcome of long paths of consistent, resigned, incremental work, building on the results by peers and rely ing on multi-tasked teams holding complementary expertise. Finally, research cannot be blindly developed. It should ulti mately aim at improving the quality of life of mankind and the preservation of our common home called Earth—otherwise it will be meaningless and devoid of social value.